Washing-machine cylinder



July 12, 1927.

w. K HOWE WASHING mourns cvuunm z Original Filed u t. 1922 I EN TOR.

to cooperate with a suitable bearing for supporting this end of the cylinder when in operation. The other end wall E is provided with a similar star-shaped plate 11, fastened in the same manner, which is provided with a similar but larger bearing boss which is hollowed to form a socket or clutch nember 12. This socket is preferably tapered, as shown, and of a square, triangular or polygonal cross-sectional configuration.

In practice the washing machine in which this washing cylinder is to be used, is provided with a companion clutch member which has an external shape corresponding to that of the socket 12. This companion clutch member forms the driving means, and is slidably supported so that it may be moved into or out of engagement with the socket or clutch member 12. y

The cover for the opening heretofore mentioned is of curved shape to complete the cylindrical Wall 3 of the washing cylinder, both as to the internal and external surfaces, and is constructed to bear against the flange 1 of the end walls E of this cylinder. More specifically, this cover 13 comprises a curved piece of sheet metal having its sides bent back on itself, asshown at 14, and is nailed or otherwise suitably fastened to two reinforcing members 15 of a shape corresponding to a segment of the end wall E. The other sides of this cover 13 are rolled around cross rods 16, which are in turn nailed against the ends of the reinforcing members 15 in any suitable manner, as conveniently illustrated by the nails 17.

One of these reinforcing members 15 is provided with a pair of bearing plates 18 terminating in bearing pins 19, which are adapted to engage holes provided in one of the end walls E. These bearing plates have been shown fastened to the reinforcing pieces by screws 20. The other reinforcing member 15 is notched to receive the hook 211 of. a spring latch member L. The bearing surface of the notch just mentioned is reinforced by a metal plate 23 screw fastened to the. reinforcing member 15. The latch member L more specifically comprises a spring 2 1 riveted to the end wall E having a combined latch and handle riveted to the free end thereof. The handle 25 of this latch member extends from the end of the cylinder so that it is easily accessible, but does not extend farther from the axis of the cylinder than does thebead 2 of the end wall of the cylinder itself thereby permitting the cylindrical portion of the cylinder to move very near the walls of the container. This also eliminates any projections extending from the top of the cylinder when rotating which would be apt to catch the clothes or handof the operator. The cylindrical portionof the washing cylinder and the cover are preferably perforated, shown at 26. This is done to allow the free circulation of water between the washing machine container and the cylinder itself.

In order to facilitate the removal of the cover 13, this cover has been provided with an opening in which is riveted an eyelet 27 sufficiently large to allow a finger to be in serted for lifting the cover from the cylinder. In placing the cover into its operative position, the pins 19 are inserted into their corresponding openings, and the other end of the cover 13 is pushed into position, thereby allowing the spring latch member L to lock in position to hold the cover in place.

Having thus fully shown and described one specific embodiment of the invention, I desire to have it understood that various modifications and obvious changes may be made, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

What I claim as new and by Letters Patent is y 1. In a cover for washing machine cylinders, a pair of reinforcing members having their ends connected by rods, and a curved metallic wall connected to said reinforcing members and rods. i

2. The combination of a washing machine cylinder havingapart of its cylindrical wall omitted to serve as an opening, and a cover for said opening comprisinga pair ofreinforcing members, a curvedwall attached to said members and projecting beyond the edges thereof to form supports, means extendin from one of said reinforcing members ac apted to engage a hole in the cylindesire to secure der, and a spring-pressed hook-at the other end of the cylinder adapted to engage the other of said members. i

3. A washing machine cylinder having circular endwalls and a cylindrical wall, a part of the cylindrical wall being omitted 'to serve as an opening, anda cover for said opening comprising a pair of reinforcing members, rods connecting the ends of said reinforcing members to form a rectangle, a curved metallic wall overlying said members and extending around said rods and fastening means secured to one of said reinforcing members and extending through open- Bugs in one of said end walls of said cyliner. i

4:. A washing machine cylinder having flanged circular end walls and a cylindrical wall, a part of the cylindrical wall being omitted to serve as an opening, and a cover comprising a pair of end reinforcing members, a curved wall attached to said members and pro ecting beyond the edges thereof to enga e the flange on said circular end walls, p ates carrying bearing pins secured to one of sald relnforcing members, said pins engaging openings in one of said end walls, and a spring pressed hook passing forcing members; I

5. A Washing machine cylinder havingflanged circular end Walls and a cylindri- ,cal wall, a part-of thecylindrical all being omitted to serve as: an opening, and a;

COVQICOIDPIiSlDg apair of end reinforcing members; a'curved Wall attached to said members and projecting beyond the edges thereof to engage the flange onsaid circular end walls, projecting means carried by one of said reinforcing members and engaging openings in one of said end Walls, and a spring pressed hook passing through an. opening in the other of said end Walls and engaging the other of said reinforcingmembers, said hook having an lntegral handle extending outside of the end wall.

L @In testimony whereof I hereby aflix my signature.

WINTHROP K. HOWE. 

